SEATTLE -- Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw issued the following statement in response to voter approval of the King County parks levy in the August 2013 election:

"Yesterday voters overwhelming approved the King County Parks Levy. The levy is a six-year property tax levy lid lift that raises revenue for the maintenance and operations of the County’s regional park system, as well as funding for city parks and the Woodland Park Zoo.

"Our voters have once again shown that they deeply value our parks system and we are grateful for the continued support. The King County Parks System is important to kids, families, seniors and Seattle-ites alike. The new levy will help build and preserve ‘Our Big Backyard’ and the connections throughout our region.

"The successful passage of this funding package will generate approximately $360 million over the next six years. This funding will allow the County to continue to invest in our open spaces, improve our trail system, and build recreation opportunities.

"I thank King County Executive Dow Constantine, members of the King County Council, the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, as well as the voters for their leadership and wise actions. The County approached this levy in a thoughtful and purposeful manner. We will follow their example in the upcoming year as the City of Seattle prepares for a potential parks ballot measure for 2014."